Today's ACC/SEC football games

This is the first meeting between the schools. This also will be the first game for the Bulls without QB Matt Grothe, who will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury. FSU is coming off a demolition of BYU in Provo. Florida State 38-21

North Carolina (3-0) at Georgia Tech (2-1), noon

This is a big one in the ACC, as both were expected to contend for the ACC Coastal title. But Tech already has a division loss, making this doubly important for the Yellow Jackets. UNC has a strong front seven, and if Tech cannot run effectively, it has no shot. Georgia Tech 21-20

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This is the ACC opener for Wake, while Boston College is coming off a loss to Clemson in which the offense was held to 54 yards. If Wake can shut down BC's running game, the Demon Deacons will be in good shape. Wake Forest 20-14

Miami (2-0) at Virginia Tech (2-1), 3:30 p.m.

This might end up being the game of the year in the ACC; it also might be a game that loses importance as the season progresses. Miami has looked superb offensively in its first two games, with QB Jacory Harris slicing up Florida State and Georgia Tech. Virginia Tech is one-dimensional on offense, much like Georgia Tech; UM shut down the Yellow Jackets' running game last week and will look to do the same to the Hokies. Miami 24-20

Pittsburgh (3-0) at N.C. State (2-1), 3:30 p.m.

N.C. State has looked good the past two weeks but the opponents were overmatched FCS teams. True freshman running back Dion Lewis makes Pitt go, and he will be the focal point of N.C. State's defensive efforts. N.C. State has struggled to run effectively, and the Wolfpack need to find a ground attack fast. N.C. State 21-17

Rutgers (2-1) at Maryland (1-2), 3:30 p.m.

The heat is on Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen; the Terps are coming off a home loss to Middle Tennessee and their only victory was in overtime against FCS member James Madison. The Terps' defense has been pitiful. Rutgers 33-27

North Carolina Central (0-3) at Duke (1-2), 7 p.m.

This is the first meeting between the schools, whose campuses are 3.4 miles apart in Durham. N.C. Central is a transitional member of the FCS and is in the process of moving from Division II. Duke 49-7

LSU (3-0) at Mississippi State (2-1), 12:20 p.m.

This is the 103rd meeting in the series, tying it for fourth most-played in the SEC. LSU has won nine in a row and 16 of 17 against the Bulldogs. Plus, LSU has scored at least 30 points against the Bulldogs in each of the past nine games. LSU 30-14

Arkansas (1-1) at Alabama (3-0), 3:30 p.m.

Arkansas rang up 41 points against Georgia last week and lost by 11. Razorbacks QB Ryan Mallett will face a tougher pass rush this week, but he still could do some damage with his arm. But Alabama's offense seems certain to do some damage on the ground against the Hogs' porous defense. Alabama 38-24

Florida (3-0) at Kentucky (2-0), 6 p.m.

Florida has taken some shots for the uninspiring showing by its offense in last week's victory against Tennessee. The Gators scored 63 on Kentucky last season and have won 22 in a row over the Wildcats. Florida 37-13

Arizona State (2-0) at Georgia (2-1), 7 p.m.

Joe Cox looked like Joe Montana last week, but that was against Arkansas' defense. Arizona State's is a lot better. But the Sun Devils' offense looks a little anemic. Georgia 24-14

Ball State (0-3) at Auburn (3-0), 7 p.m.

Auburn is better than expected. Ball State is worse. Much worse. The teams have met twice this decade and Auburn has won them both by a combined 93-3. Auburn 48-10

Ohio (2-1) at Tennessee (1-2), 7 p.m.

The Vols better win this one; their next three games are Auburn, Georgia and at Alabama. Ohio has not scored a rushing TD this season. Tennessee 28-10

Vanderbilt (1-2) at Rice (0-3), 8 p.m.

Call it the "Bookworm Bowl." Vandy has one of the worst offenses in the nation, Rice one of the worst defenses. The Owls already have allowed 12 touchdown passes and have no interceptions. Vandy has thrown one touchdown pass and two picks. Vanderbilt 31-20